Method and system for optimizing shipping methodology for 2-directional floor joists

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a system for optimizing the shipping of floor joists, comprising: analyzing a building model, wherein a set of floor joists are isolated; processing a first set of data associated each of the set of floor joists, wherein the first set of data is related to members of the floor joist and the interface between these members; grouping a first group of the set of floor joists into a bundle, wherein the first group of floor joists is based on the processed first set of data; analyzing the bundle relative to the volume of a shipping vessel, wherein it is determined if the shipping vessel can container the vessel; manipulating, by at least one processor the bundle of floor joists based on limitations of the shipping vessel; and generating a graphical representation of the bundle and the position of the bundle within the shipping vessel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (and claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 USC 120) of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/802,645, nowU.S. Pat. No. 11,574,085, filed Feb. 27, 2020. The disclosure of theprior applications is considered part of (and is incorporated byreference in) the disclosure of this application.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to building construction and in particular, to amethod, a computer program, or a computer system for optimization of theshipping methodology of floor joists.

When framing a building, the members which make up the frame need to beshipped to the work site. The members may be shipped in containers, bytruck, or various other methods of transportation. These floor joistsneed to be bundled for shipping, and typically are placed within theshipping vessel in an arbitrary order or placement which results ineither lost space, difficulty sorting the members, or incorrect assemblyof the members due to the inability to determine which member is which.This results in a tremendous amount of lost time and money at theconstruction site.

Cold formed steel members are manufactured from the roll formingmachines in various lengths as per the user inputs and the memberdesigns. Shipping or transportation of the cold formed steel members isdone to construction site by shipping containers. Cold formed steelmembers are shipped to site in either plurality of the members bundledtogether or as individual members which are then sorted on site.

In current industry practice, the bundling of the members together forshipping is not done in an organized way as different sizes and shapesof the cold formed steel members in the floor joist. Each bundleoccupies large volume and when the materials are shipped to the site,due to the large volume of each bundle the space inside the shippingcontainer is not utilized in most optimized way. Additionally, thebundles require the workers to know exactly which member goes where inthe assembly of the floor joists. This also provides for the opportunityfor a member to be misplaced or lost.

It is desirable for a system or program that is able to optimize thebundling or preparing of the floor joists in such a way that it willoccupy least volume and shipping or transportation cost and reduce thetime on site to determine which floor joist the members are associatedwith and also assist in the assembly of the floor joists.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, the present invention is a computer method foroptimizing the shipping of floor joists, comprising: analyzing, by atleast one processor, a building model, wherein a set of floor joists areisolated; processing, by at least one processor, a first set of dataassociated each of the set of floor joists, wherein the first set ofdata is related to members of the floor joist and the interface betweenthese members; grouping, by at least one processor, a first group of theset of floor joists into a bundle, wherein the first group of floorjoists is based on the processed first set of data; analyzing, by atleast one processor, the bundle relative to the volume of a shippingvessel, wherein it is determined if the shipping vessel can containerthe vessel; manipulating, by at least one processor the bundle of floorjoists based on limitations of the shipping vessel; and generating, byat least one processor, a graphical representation of the bundle and theposition of the bundle within the shipping vessel.

In a second embodiment, the present invention is a computer programproduct for optimizing the shipping of floor joists, comprising: one ormore computer non-transitory readable storage media and programinstructions stored on the one or more computer non-transitory readablestorage media, the program instructions comprising: program instructionsto analyze a building model, wherein a set of floor joists are isolated;program instructions to process a first set of data associated each ofthe set of floor joists, wherein the first set of data is related tomembers of the floor joist and the interface between these members;program instructions to group a first group of the set of floor joistsinto a bundle, wherein the first group of floor joists is based on theprocessed first set of data; program instructions to analyze the bundlerelative to the volume of a shipping vessel, wherein it is determined ifthe shipping vessel can container the vessel; program instructions tomanipulating, by at least one processor the bundle of floor joists basedon limitations of the shipping vessel; and program instructions togenerate a graphical representation of the bundle and the position ofthe bundle within the shipping vessel.

In a third embodiment, the present invention is a system for optimizingthe shipping of floor joists, comprising: one or more computerprocessors, one or more computer non-transitory readable storage media,and program instructions stored on the one or more computernon-transitory readable storage media for execution by, at least one ofthe one or more processors, the program instructions comprising:analyzing a building model, wherein a set of floor joists are isolated;processing a first set of data associated each of the set of floorjoists, wherein the first set of data is related to members of the floorjoist and the interface between these members; grouping a first group ofthe set of floor joists into a bundle, wherein the first group of floorjoists is based on the processed first set of data; analyzing the bundlerelative to the volume of a shipping vessel, wherein it is determined ifthe shipping vessel can container the vessel; manipulating, by at leastone processor the bundle of floor joists based on limitations of theshipping vessel; and generating a graphical representation of the bundleand the position of the bundle within the shipping vessel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers representcorresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram depicting a computing environment, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram depicting the internal and externalcomponents of the server and computing device of FIG. 1 , in accordancewith one embodiment of the present.

FIG. 3 depicts a cloud computing environment, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of the operational steps of a methodperformed by a shipping optimization methodology program within thecomputing environment of FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustration of an assembled floor joist, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustration of a disassembled floor joist, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustration of a floor joist, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the floor joist in a bundle, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts an illustration of the bundle on a shipping vehicle, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates to building construction and in particular, to amethod, a computer program, or a computer system for optimization of theshipping methodology of floor joists and the organization of the floorjoist members.

Typically, the floor joists are either manufactured in a factory andship to site or it is constructed on site construction. Pre-Engineeringbuildings which are one of the most popular construction methods inrecent time has all the members which are pre-engineered andpremanufactured in a factory controlled environment. These members arethen either shipped to the site and assembled on site or assembled atthe factory and then shipped in completed or semi-completed form.

Cold formed steel buildings are the one such construction material whichis manufactured in factory-controlled environment. Cold formed steelfloor joist members are generally of a “C” shape. The roll forming fromthe machine is done using flat steel sheet inserted in the roll formingmachine and using the rollers the steel sheet is bent to desired shapeas per the user input. Cold formed steel floor joist members have acavity space inside the “C” shape and when shipped the cold formed steelmembers can utilize this shape to reduce the wasted space within thecontainer.

In the present invention the concept of each floor joist ispremanufactured and shipped to the construction site. The floor joist ismanufactured to the size and specifications of the shipping vessellimitations. This produces floor joists that may be partially completedbased on the shipping vessel size and weight limit.

Generally, based on the dimensions of the shipping vessel (e.g.container or truck), the maximum limit of each bundle is determined. Thelength of the bundle cannot be longer than the maximum shippingcontainer length. Additionally, the height and width of the containerlimit the bundle size as well and are set as maximum limits on eachbundle.

The present invention provides for an advantage over the presentpackaging and shipping techniques by utilizing a unique optimizationfeature where the floor joists are analyzed based on the shippingcontainer, determined the maximum size and number of floor joists, andcreate an assembly pattern for the floor joists to fit within theshipping vessel within minimal wasted or lost space

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention. The present invention is used in an embodiment withcold formed steel floor joist members, in alternative embodiments,various other applications may exist with other type of buildingmaterials or products.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowcharts may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions,which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, thefunctions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in thefigures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, beexecuted substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes beexecuted in the reverse order, depending upon the functionalityinvolved. It will also be noted that each block of the flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchartillustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry outcombinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes adetailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachingsrecited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can bemonitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both theprovider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail).The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloudinfrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage,or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exceptionof limited user-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising anetwork of interconnected nodes.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a computing environment 100 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 providesan illustration of one embodiment and does not imply any limitationsregarding the environment in which different embodiments maybeimplemented.

In the depicted embodiment, computing environment 100 includes network102, computing device 104, and server 106. Computing environment 100 mayinclude additional servers, computers, or other devices not shown.

Network 102 may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN)such as the Internet, any combination thereof, or any combination ofconnections and protocols that can support communications betweencomputing device 104 and server 106 in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention. Network 102 may include wired, wireless, or fiber opticconnections.

Computing device 104 may be a management server, a web server, or anyother electronic device or computing system capable of processingprogram instructions and receiving and sending data. In otherembodiments, computing device 104 may be a laptop computer, tabletcomputer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer,or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating withpatient computing device 104 via network 102. In other embodiments,computing device 104 may be a server computing system utilizing multiplecomputers as a server system, such as in a cloud computing environment.In one embodiment, computing device 104 represents a computing systemutilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool ofseamless resources. Computing device 104 may include components, asdepicted and described in further detail with respect to FIG. 1 .

Server 106 may be a management server, a web server, or any otherelectronic device or computing system capable of processing programinstructions and receiving and sending data. In other embodiments server106 may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, netbook computer,personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, or any programmableelectronic device capable of communicating via network 102. In oneembodiment, server 106 may be a server computing system utilizingmultiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloud computingenvironment. In one embodiment, server 106 represents a computing systemutilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool ofseamless resources. In the depicted embodiment Bundle optimizationprogram 108 and database 110 are located on server 106. Server 106 mayinclude components, as depicted and described in further detail withrespect to FIG. 1 .

Bundle optimization program 108 has the unique features to take allmembers of a floor joist group of these building floor joists anddetermine a preferred manufacturing order and bundling process tomaximize the number of members which can be placed within a singleshipping container. The bundling process is further simplified bydetermining the preferred manufacturing order so that each member thatcomes out of the forming machine can be bundled one after the next andthe workers do not need to bundle the members in a random or morecomplicated order. This also further assists with the unpacking at thework site in that the members are bundled in a way the workers caneasily remove the bundles and assemble the floor joists in a methodicaland efficient order.

In the depicted embodiment, the bundle optimization program 108 utilizesnetwork 102 to access the computing device 104 and to communicate withdatabase 110. In one embodiment, Bundle optimization program 108 resideson computing device 104. In other embodiments, Bundle optimizationprogram 108 may be located on another server or computing device,provided Bundle optimization program 108 has access to database 110.

Database 110 may be a repository that may be written to and/or read byoptimization program 108. Information gathered from computing device 104and the 1-dimensional, 2-dimensional, and 3-dimensional drawings andmodels as well as the requirements so that the assembly drawing in oneembodiment, database 110 is a database management system (DBMS) used toallow the definition, creation, querying, update, and administration ofa database(s). In the depicted embodiment, database 110 resides oncomputing device 104. In other embodiments, database 110 resides onanother server, or another computing device, provided that database 110is accessible to optimization program 108.

FIG. 2 , a schematic of an example of a cloud computing node is shown.Cloud computing node 10 is only one example of a suitable cloudcomputing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to thescope of use or functionality of embodiments of the invention describedherein. Regardless, cloud computing node 10 is capable of beingimplemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forthhereinabove.

In cloud computing node 10 there is a computer system/server 12, whichis operational with numerous other general purposes or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframecomputer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments thatinclude any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context ofcomputer system executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributed cloudcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be locatedin both local and remote computer system storage media including memorystorage devices.

FIG. 2 , computer system/server 12 in cloud computing node 10 is shownin the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components ofcomputer system/server 12 may include, but are not limited to, one ormore processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28, and a bus 18that couples various system components including system memory 28 toprocessor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computersystem readable media. Such media may be any available media that isaccessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatileand non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g.,at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the invention.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42,may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one ormore application programs, other program modules, and program data orsome combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computersystem/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.)that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/output(I/O) interfaces 22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 cancommunicate with one or more networks such as a local area network(LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g.,the Internet) via network adapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20communicates with the other components of computer system/server 12 viabus 18. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardwareand/or software components could be used in conjunction with computersystem/server 12. Examples, include, but are not limited to microcode,device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays,RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

FIG. 3 , illustrative cloud computing environment 50 is depicted. Asshown, cloud computing environment 50 comprises one or more cloudcomputing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used by cloudconsumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) orcellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C,and/or additional computer systems may communicate. Nodes 10 maycommunicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physicallyor virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community,Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combinationthereof. This allows cloud computing environment 50 to offerinfrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloudconsumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computingdevice. It is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-C shownin FIG. 2 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes10 and cloud computing environment 50 can communicate with any type ofcomputerized device over any type of network and/or network addressableconnection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring back to FIG. 2 , the Program/utility 40 may include one ormore program modules 42 that generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.Specifically, the program modules 42 provides for the analysis of afloor joist, the extraction of the data associated with each member, thecalculation of an optimum shipping orientation, the generation of avirtual image of the members reorientation in the bundle for shipping,and then the optimization of the shipping vessel for the plurality ofbundles based on the assembly process of the frame. Otherfunctionalities of the program modules 42 are described further hereinsuch that the program modules 42 are not limited to the functionsdescribed above. Moreover, it is noted that some of the modules 42 canbe implemented within the infrastructure shown in FIGS. 1-3 .

FIG. 4 depicts flowchart 400 depicting a method according to the presentinvention. The method(s) and associated process(es) are now discussed,over the course of the following paragraphs, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The program(s) described herein areidentified based upon the application for which they are implemented ina specific embodiment of the invention. However, it should beappreciated that any particular program nomenclature herein is usedmerely for convenience, and thus the invention should not be limited touse solely in any specific application identified and/or implied by suchnomenclature.

In step 402, the bundle optimization program 108 analyzes the floorjoist and the members. The bundle optimization program 108 receives oraccess the 3D model and isolates the floor joists. These floor joistsmay be, for exemplary purposes similar to the illustrations shown inFIG. 5 . The floor joist in the depicted image of comprised of members501, 502, 503, 504, and 505. The members are a top plate, bottom plate,vertical members, and nogging members. These members are connected orfastened together The bundle optimization program 108 identifies theproperties of each member within the floor joist and analyzes theproperties of each member and the floor joist in its entirety. Thisincludes, but is not limited to, the length, width, height, profile, andcurvature of the members and the floor joist. In some embodiments, whereweight is a factor, the bundle optimization program 108 calculates aweight of the member(s) (and the floor joist) based on known orcalculated material properties. The bundle optimization program 108analyzes the coordinates (X, Y, Z) of the members and floor joist tocalculate the profile, thickness, and other dimensional properties ofthe floor joist.

In step 404, the bundle optimization program 108 compiles the floorjoist arrangement for shipping. The bundle optimization program 108reviews the size limitations, and in some settings the weightlimitations of the shipping vessel. The shipping container may be anintermodal freight container, or various other shipping container whichare used by specific industries. The bundle optimization program 108 isable to process the construction of each floor joist, determine themaximum dimension of the construction process at each stage, comparethis to the shipping vessel limitations, and determine at what stage theconstruction of the floor joist should be suspended so that the floorjoist will fit within the shipping vessel. This may result in a floorjoist has two partially constructed sections which are shipped, and thefinal assembly happens on site.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depicts illustrations of floor joists 500 bundled togetherwith spacers 701. The spacers are required in some instances based onthe assembly type, the spacing between the assemblies, and the number ofrows of the assemblies. The bundle optimization program 108 is able toperform an analysis based on the assembly type the size and shape of theassemblies, and determines if spacers are required, and if theassemblies are secured to the spacers 701. The depicted images presentone way to bundle the floor jousts 500 together. The spacers 701 are ofa predetermined size and space to provide adequate support andsecurement of the floor joists 500.

The arrangement of the floor joists is determined through variouscomputer learning systems and artificial intelligence to understand theideal or preferred assembly process of the section of the floor joist,so that the floor joists are arranged both in a way to decrease thespace which is taken up by the bundle, due to which, the workers areable to take the floor joists from the bundle and easily placed on thesite directly.

Through the review of the structure, the bundle optimization program 108with the use of artificial intelligence or computer learning technology,is able to determine which floor joists need to be assembled first,second, third, etc. The bundle optimization program 108 calculates theorder in which the bundles are to be placed within the container, sothat when removed, the first floor joist to be constructed and used isremoved first and so on.

In step 406, bundle optimization program 108 generates the shippingorganization and placement within the shipping vessel. Based on theshipping vessel size and limitations, the creates the sequence in whichthe bundles are loaded into the container. The bundle optimizationprogram 108 determines if the bundle fits within the shipping vessel.The packaging organization program 108 is able to generate anarrangement of the floor joists to fit within the container and consumethe least amount of space as possible. The arrangement of the floorjoists to form the bundle is determined through various computerlearning systems and artificial intelligence to understand the ideal orpreferred assembly process of the floor joist, so that the floor joistsare arranged within the bundle to provide for the maximum use of space.The floor joists are arranged both in a way to decrease the space whichis taken up by the bundle, but also so once the bundle is removed, theworkers are able to take the floor joists from the bundle and easilyassemble the floor joist. The bundle optimization program 108 is able totake the assembly of the building, disassemble the building floor joist(e.g. truss, joist, and floor joist) by floor joist and then reassembleto determine a desired or preferred assembly process.

FIG. 6 depicts a disassembled floor joist 600. Through the disassemblyprocess, the interfaces of the members are identified and categorized.This assembly process is then used when generating the organization ofthe members to limit the work required to take the packet and build thefloor joist. Based on a known or calculated assembly process, the floorjoists are ordered in the packet strategically based on this assemblyprocess.

In some embodiments, the bundle optimization program 108 may alter thebundles based on the overall sequence of which the bundles are loadedinto the container. This may include adjusting the overall length of thebundles, the order of the floor joists within the bundles, or possiblycombining bundles based on the benefits that the combination mayproduce. In some embodiments, the bundle optimization program 108reviews the structure design and each floor joist of the structure toanalyze how the structure would be constructed. This includes theassembly of the first floor, then the second floor, then the roof of atwo-story building. The bundle optimization program 108 analyzes anassembly process of the entire structure and the ordering of theconstruction of each structure so that the floor joists which are neededto be assembled first are identified as such.

In step 408, bundle optimization program 108 generates drawings orillustrations of bundle and the placement of the bundles within theshipping vessel. The bundle optimization program 108 creates the drawingfor each bundle to show the position of each floor joist within thebundle. The bundle optimization program 108 creates the drawings whichshow the view of the container from various perspectives to show thelocation of each bundle inside the container such that the maximum spaceis occupied in the container and there is minimum open space in thecontainer. FIGS. 5 and 6 show illustrations of a floor joist 500comprised of members 501-505. The bundle optimization program 108 isable to analyze each of the members, disassembly the floor joist, andunderstand the order in which the members are assembled together to formthe floor joist. Based on this understanding the bundle optimizationprogram 108 is able to determine a preferred order of the bundles sothat the floor joists when taken from the bundle are able to beassembled in the desired order.

FIG. 9 depicts an illustration of a bundle 800 placed on a vehicle forshipping. The bundle, in this embodiment are placed on the vehicle bed.In various embodiments, the floor joists and thus the bundle may notform a perfect rectangle, but may be designed to integrate with anotherbundle to create as little dead space as possible within the shippingvessel.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Present invention: should not be taken as an absolute indication thatthe subject matter described by the term “present invention” is coveredby either the claims as they are filed, or by the claims that mayeventually issue after patent prosecution; while the term “presentinvention” is used to help the reader to get a general feel for whichdisclosures herein that are believed as maybe being new, thisunderstanding, as indicated by use of the term “present invention,” istentative and provisional and subject to change over the course ofpatent prosecution as relevant information is developed and as theclaims are potentially amended.

The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments have been presentedonly for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the formsdisclosed. Accordingly, many modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings will be apparentto practitioners skilled in the art. Additionally, the above disclosureis not intended to limit the present invention. In the specification andclaims the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaningsimilar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply theinclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps butnot the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers orsteps. This definition also applies to variations on the term“comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.

Although various representative embodiments of this invention have beendescribed above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled inthe art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodimentswithout departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subjectmatter set forth in the specification and claims. Joinder references(e.g. attached, adhered, joined) are to be construed broadly and mayinclude intermediate members between a connection of elements andrelative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do notnecessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixedrelation to each other. Moreover, network connection references are tobe construed broadly and may include intermediate members or devicesbetween network connections of elements. As such, network connectionreferences do not necessarily infer that two elements are in directcommunication with each other. In some instances, in methodologiesdirectly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operationsare described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled inthe art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged,replaced or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter containedin the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail orstructure may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventionas defined in the appended claims.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to theembodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications,variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether knownor that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to thosehaving at least ordinary skill in the art. Listing the steps of a methodin a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order ofthe steps of the method. Accordingly, the embodiments of the inventionset forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Personsskilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form anddetail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlierdeveloped alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/orsubstantial equivalent.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A computer method for optimizing theshipping of floor joists, comprising: analyzing, by at least oneprocessor, a building model, wherein a set of floor joists areidentified, analyzed, and isolated; processing, by at least oneprocessor, a first set of data associated each of the set of floorjoists, wherein the first set of data is related to members of the floorjoist and the interface between these members; isolating, by at leastone processor, the set of floor joists within the building model;simulating, by at least one processor, an assembly process of the floorjoists, wherein a second set of data is created associated with theassembly process; producing, by at least one processor, a manipulatedassembly of the floor joists based on limitations of a shipping vessel,wherein a bundle is formed; simulating, by at least one processor, amanipulated assembly process of the floor joists from the bundle basedon the second set of data; and generating, by at least one processor, agraphical representation of the bundle and the position of the bundlewithin the shipping vessel, the manipulated assembly process, and theassembly process of the set of floor joists.
 2. The computer method ofclaim 1, further comprising, incorporating, by at least one processor aset of spacers between the floor joists of the bundle, wherein thespacers are positioned at predetermined locations.
 3. The computermethod of claim 1, wherein the manipulation of the bundle, furthercomprising, altering, by at least one processor, the floor joists basedon the interfaces between the members, wherein the floor joists areseparated into sections.
 4. The computer method of claim 3, furthercomprising, grouping, by at least one processor, the sections based onan assembly process of the floor joist.
 5. The computer method of claim1, further comprising, determining, by at least one processor, theinterface between the isolated floor joists, where a set of data iscreated related to the floor joist relationship in reference to themodel design.
 6. The computer method of claim 5, wherein theorganization of the floor joists within the shipping vessel is based onan assembly process of the floor joists.
 7. A computer program productfor optimizing the shipping of floor joists, comprising: one or morecomputer non-transitory readable storage media and program instructionsstored on the one or more computer non-transitory readable storagemedia, the program instructions comprising: program instructions toanalyze a building model, wherein floor joist assemblies are isolatedfrom the building model; program instructions to process a first set ofdata associated each of the floor joist assemblies, wherein the firstset of data is related to members and the interface between thesemembers; program instructions to formulate a manipulated assembly of thefloor joist assemblies based on a shipping vessel set of limitations;program instructions to simulate an assembly process from themanipulated assembly of the floor joists to a final assembly of thefloor joists, wherein a second set of data associated with an assemblyprocess of the floor joist assemblies is created; and programinstructions to generate a graphical representation of the manipulatedassembly of the floor joist assemblies, the assembly process of thefloor joist assemblies, and the position within the shipping vessel. 8.The computer program product of claim 7, further comprising, programinstructions to simulate the assembly process of the floor joist basedon the interface of the members.
 9. The computer program product ofclaim 7, further comprising, program instructions to incorporate a setof spacers between the floor joists of the bundle, wherein the spacersare positioned at predetermined locations.
 10. The computer programproduct of claim 7, wherein the manipulation of the bundle, furthercomprising, alter the floor joists based on the interfaces between themembers, wherein the floor joists are separated into sections.
 11. Thecomputer program product of claim 10, further comprising, group thesections based on an assembly process of the floor joist.
 12. Thecomputer program product of claim 7, further comprising, programinstructions to determine the interface between the isolated floorjoists, where a set of data is created related to the floor joistrelationship in reference to the model design.
 13. The computer programproduct of claim 12, wherein the organization of the floor joists withinthe shipping vessel is based on an assembly process of the floor joists.14. A system for optimizing the shipping of floor joists, comprising:one or more computer processors, one or more computer non-transitoryreadable storage media, and program instructions stored on the one ormore computer non-transitory readable storage media for execution by, atleast one of the one or more processors, the program instructionscomprising: analyzing a building model, wherein a set of floor joistsare isolated from the building model within the software; processing afirst set of data associated each of the set of floor joists, whereinthe first set of data is related to members of the floor joist and theinterface between these members; manipulating an original assembly ofthe floor joist to form a manipulated assembly of the floor joist,wherein the manipulated assembly is formulated to fit within a shippingvessel; converting the manipulated assembly to the original assembly,wherein a second set of data associated with an assembly process of thefloor joists is created; creating a third set of data associated withthe manipulated assembly, wherein a model of the bundle is created;generating a graphical representation of the bundle, an assembly processof the bundle, and the position of the bundle within the shippingvessel.
 15. The system of claim 14, further comprising, incorporating,by at least one processor a set of spacers between the floor joists ofthe bundle, wherein the spacers are positioned at predeterminedlocations.
 16. The system of claim 14 wherein the manipulation of thebundle, further comprising, altering the floor joists based on theinterfaces between the members, wherein the floor joists are separatedinto sections.
 17. The system of claim 16 further comprising, groupingthe sections based on an assembly process of the floor joist.
 18. Thesystem of claim 14, further comprising, determining the interfacebetween the isolated floor joists, where a set of data is createdrelated to the floor joist relationship in reference to the modeldesign.